Doug Besterman
DEATH BECOMES HER Tickets to Go on Sale for Playhouse Square Engagement (Jun 4, 2026)
Final Chance to Vote for the 2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards (Jun 2, 2026)
Final Week to Vote for the 2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards; THE LOST BOYS Leads Best New Musical (May 29, 2026)
BIO
DOUG BESTERMAN is a three-time Tony Award winning musician with a career spanning across theatre, film, television and recording. As a Composer, Producer, Arranger, and Orchestrator, he has been privileged to work with some of the most recognizable names in the industry, including composers Mel Brooks, Alan Menken, and Marc Shaiman; recording artists Barbra Streisand and Barry Manilow; and directors Rob Marshall and Susan Stroman.
A veteran of 25+ Broadway shows, Besterman won the Best Orchestrations Tony Award® for Fosse, The Producers, and Thoroughly Modern Millie, and was nominated for The Music Man (2000), How to Succeed in Business, and Bullets over Broadway. He was also awarded the Drama Desk Award for The Producers and Thoroughly Modern Millie. His most recent Broadway credits include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, A Bronx Tale, and Anastasia.
Besterman has also written orchestrations for 20+ film and television projects; including recent film work on Mary Poppins Returns, Aladdin (2019), Beauty and the Beast (2017) and Frozen; and American Housewife, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and Galavant for television.
As a composer, Besterman penned the scores for the podcast musical Little Did I Know (with lyricists Dean Pitchford and Marcy Heisler), currently available for download on Apple Podcasts; The Big One-Oh (with lyricist Dean Pitchford), which recently premiered at The Atlantic For Kids in NYC, and is available for licensing through Music Theater International (MTI); and the vignette “Swelling and Irritation” (with lyricist Sharon Vaughn) from the musical Breathe, also to be licensed by MTI - concept album to be released by Sony. His music has also been recorded by singer Christian Bautista, heard in the films The Punisher, Out of Step and Exit Speed, television shows Summerland and One Life To Live, in concert with the United States Military Academy Concert Band, and in the musical revue Hats.
He is a proud father, husband, and sommelier. When not in New York or Los Angeles working, Doug is an avid traveler. Follow his latest adventures at @DougBesterman.
Photos
Productions
Writing
Awards and Nominations
winner
Doug Besterman, Schmigadoon!
Doug Besterman, Schmigadoon!
Doug Besterman, BOOP! The Musical
Doug Besterman, Death Becomes Her
Doug Besterman, Anastasia
Doug Besterman, Anastasia
Doug Besterman, Bullets Over Broadway: The Musical
Doug Besterman, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
Doug Besterman, Young Frankenstein
winner
Doug Besterman, Thoroughly Modern Millie
winner
Doug Besterman, The Producers
winner
Doug Besterman, The Producers
winner
Doug Besterman, The Music Man
Doug Besterman, The Music Man
Videos
Video: Mel Brooks’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN THE MUSICAL Opens At Hope Mill Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - 2025-10-29 21:31:07
Video: Michael Park Sings 'Rebellious Children' in MYTHIC at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
by Michael Major - 2025-09-26 15:47:12
Video: Watch an Early Test For BOOP!'s Color-Changing Act Two Opening
by Michael Major - 2025-07-03 10:49:52
Video: Bella Coppola Performs 'Let Me Be Your Star' in SMASH on Broadway
by Michael Major - 2025-05-28 15:59:52
Video: Watch Robyn Hurder and Cast Perform 'Let's Be Bad' From SMASH
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-05-22 14:02:21
Video: Robyn Hurder and SMASH Cast Perform 'Let Me Be Your Star' on THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-05-20 11:16:34
Video: Watch SMASH Star Bella Coppola Perform the National Anthem at the Mets Game
by Michael Major - 2025-05-19 11:38:20
Video: SMASH Cast Performs 'I Never Met A Wolf Who Didn't Love To Howl' on THE VIEW
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-05-16 14:15:09
Video: Watch Caroline Bowman Sing 'They Just Keep Moving The Line' in SMASH
by Michael Major - 2025-05-14 15:40:23
Video: Watch Jasmine Amy Rogers Sing 'Something to Shout About' From BOOP!
by Michael Major - 2025-03-11 10:51:49
Video: Watch Robyn Hurder & Caroline Bowman Sing 'Don't Forget Me' From SMASH
by Michael Major - 2025-03-10 14:44:41
Video: Watch the Cast of BOOP! THE MUSICAL Rehearse For Their Broadway Run
by Michael Major - 2025-02-20 16:26:03
Video: Watch the First SCHMIGADOON! Teaser From the Kennedy Center
by Michael Major - 2024-12-27 13:31:59
Video: Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard & More in DEATH BECOMES HER
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2024-11-20 10:46:23
Video/Photos: Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard, Michelle Williams & More in DEATH BECOMES HER
by Joshua Wright - 2024-05-18 23:39:44
VIDEO: Megan Hilty & Jennifer Simard Talk DEATH BECOMES HER on WGN9 Chicago
by Joshua Wright - 2024-05-02 16:20:17
Photos & Video: Get a First Look at BOOP! THE BETTY BOOP MUSICAL
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2023-12-05 12:43:48
VIDEO: Watch Broadway's Best Unite for 'You Are Enough' Music Video
by Nicole Rosky - 2022-05-10 12:00:20
VIDEO: Cinco Paul and Bekah Brunstetter in Conversation On A.D. 16
by Alan Henry - 2022-02-11 10:01:17
VIDEO: Creatives of A.D. 16 at Olney Theatre Center Discuss the Show's Themes
by Stephi Wild - 2022-02-04 10:35:55
News
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 4, 2026
Tickets for the Tony Award-winning musical comedy DEATH BECOMES HER go on sale for its three-week engagement at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, where the national tour will launch.
by Team BWW - Jun 2, 2026
This is the final chance to vote for the 2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards. The Theater Fans' Choice Awards honor and celebrate the best of New York Theater - as decided by the most important critics, the audience at large - allowing YOU to have your say during the most exciting time of the year for the theater community.
by Team BWW - May 29, 2026
There's just four days left to vote for the 2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards. The Theater Fans' Choice Awards honor and celebrate the best of New York Theater - as decided by the most important critics, the audience at large - allowing YOU to have your say during the most exciting time of the year for the theater community.
by Caryl Kristine Guillermo - May 25, 2026
The musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory that has just landed at the Sands Theatre leans into celebrating a world of vivid invention. It keeps the heart of the beloved material and commits even further into its absurdity. It guarantees a night at the theatre that will leave you going “what…was…that.' A night you won't soon forget.
by Team BWW - May 22, 2026
The first standings have been revealed for the 2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards. The Theater Fans' Choice Awards honor and celebrate the best of New York Theater - as decided by the most important critics, the audience at large.
by Caryl Kristine Guillermo - May 21, 2026
Music Director Jeff Cox brings us into the musically daring and vivid score of CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. Its breadth of genres, rich chromatic harmonies, and the terrific orchestra come together to paint the magical world we know and love.
by Stephi Wild - May 19, 2026
The 42nd Helen Hayes Awards were presented at an event at The Anthem. The awards celebrated productions in the Washington, DC region in the 2025 calendar year.
by Nicole Rosky - May 18, 2026
BroadwayWorld has just learned that the Tony Award winning and Grammy Award nominated musical, and the most nominated production of the 2024/2025 Broadway season, DEATH BECOMES HER, will conclude its Broadway run. WE have all of the details here.
by Stephi Wild - May 14, 2026
HIT SHOW, a new musical inspired by the 1963 kidnapping of Frank Sinatra Jr., will make its joint world premiere at The Carnegie and Southern Plains Productions, directed by Eamon Foley.
by Nicole Rosky - May 23, 2026
The 2026 Tony nominees are already winners... literally. For some, this marks their first nomination, but others have already won Tony Awards in seasons past. We took a look at which nominees have won at least a Tony or two (or four!) - amongst them, they've gathered a total 64 awards.
by Nicole Rosky - May 11, 2026
The Outer Critics Circle (OCC), the official organization of writers on New York theatre for out-of-town, national, and digital news publications, has just announced the winners of the 2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards. We have the full list.
by Stephi Wild - May 7, 2026
The 12-time Tony Award-nominated musical Schmigadoon! has extended its run on Broadway, due to demand. Learn more about the show and how to get tickets here!
by Nicole Rosky - May 4, 2026
Awards season has arrived! While many stellar productions are poised to earn multiple nominations this season, it will take quite a few to stand up to the current record holders. Do any of this season's shows stand a chance at making history? Below, check out which Broadway shows hold the records for the most-Tony nominated productions of all time.
by Nicole Rosky - May 5, 2026
The nominations are in! Below, check out how each show fared individually in a full list of nominations by show. Follow us on BroadwayWorld throughout the day, as we'll bring you Tony nominee reactions, exclusive reports, surprises, behind the scenes coverage and oh, so much more!
by Stephi Wild - Apr 21, 2026
Isa Briones and Sepideh Moafi hosted the live announcement of the 2026 Outer Critics Circle Award Nominations. Check out the full list of nominations here!
by Oliver Oliveros - Apr 13, 2026
Broadway International Group and Broadway Asia have confirmed that Filipino star Karylle will headline the Manila leg of 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' global tour when the show runs at the Theatre at Solaire in July 2026.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 7, 2026
The Phoenix Theatre Company will present Ever After, a new musical inspired by the beloved 1998 film starring Drew Barrymore, with performances from May 6 to June 14, 2026, in the new Dr. Stacie J. and Richard J Stephenson Theatre.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 31, 2026
Ahead of the first preview of Schmigadoon! on April 4, fans will have the opportunity to attend the show’s dress rehearsal on April 3 at 7:00 PM at the Nederlander Theatre. Learn more about how to attend the show here!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 24, 2026
Ahead of the production’s first preview on April 4, Schmigadoon! has announced rush and lottery policies. Find out how to get discount tickets to Schmigadoon! here!
by Michael Major - Mar 6, 2026
BOOP! The Musical is holding a virtual open call for its title role for the upcoming national tour. Director Jerry Mitchell took to social media to share information about the open call, sharing a link to submit.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Doug Besterman has written 1 shows including The Big One-Oh! (Music).
Outstanding Orchestrations (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Schmigadoon!, Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for Schmigadoon!, Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for BOOP! The Musical, Outstanding Orchestrations (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Death Becomes Her, Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for Anastasia, Outstanding Orchestrations (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Anastasia, Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for Bullets Over Broadway: The Musical, Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for Young Frankenstein, Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for Thoroughly Modern Millie, Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for The Producers, Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for The Producers, Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for The Music Man and Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for The Music Man.
Doug Besterman has won the following awards: Outstanding Orchestrations (Broadway or Off-Broadway) from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Schmigadoon!, Best Orchestrations from the Tony Awards for Thoroughly Modern Millie, Outstanding Orchestrations from the Drama Desk Awards for The Producers, Best Orchestrations from the Tony Awards for The Producers, and Outstanding Orchestrations from the Drama Desk Awards for The Music Man.
Videos
